How to Block YouTube on Mac & MacBook

Three methods that actually work on macOS Sonoma, Sequoia, and earlier — including Safari, Chrome, and incognito.

Updated May 2026 · Works on macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia

Apple's built-in Screen Time can block YouTube on a Mac, but it has gaps: kids can switch browsers, use private mode, or sign in with a different Apple ID. Here are the three methods that actually hold up — with the easiest one first.

The easiest way to block YouTube on Mac

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Method 1: 3Eyes for Mac (recommended)

  1. Sign up for a free 3Eyes parent account.
  2. Download the 3Eyes Mac installer and run it on your child's MacBook.
  3. Sign your child in. YouTube is blocked by default in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Brave — including private windows.
  4. From your phone or any browser, set screen-time limits or approve specific YouTube channels.
  • Survives private browsing in Safari (most blocks don't).
  • Survives a child switching to Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
  • Survives signing into a different Apple ID.

Method 2: Apple Screen Time (free, built-in, limited)

  1. Apple menu → System Settings → Screen Time.
  2. Pick your child's account → Content & Privacy.
  3. Click Content Restrictions, then Web Content, choose Limit Adult Websites, and under Never Allow click + and add:
    • https://www.youtube.com
    • https://m.youtube.com
    • https://youtu.be
  4. Set a Screen Time passcode so your child can't change the rule.

Limitations: Screen Time's web restrictions only work in Safari by default. If your child opens Chrome, Firefox, or Brave, YouTube loads normally. Apple's "limit adult websites" mode is required for the never-allow list to take effect.

Method 3: macOS hosts file (free, technical)

  1. Open Terminal (Cmd+Space → "Terminal").
  2. Run sudo nano /etc/hosts and enter your admin password.
  3. Add at the bottom: 
    127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com
127.0.0.1 youtube.com
127.0.0.1 m.youtube.com
127.0.0.1 youtu.be
127.0.0.1 youtubekids.com
  4. Press Ctrl+O → Enter → Ctrl+X.
  5. Run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache.

Works in every browser, but requires the child's account to not have admin rights — otherwise they can undo it.

Comparison

MethodCostSafariChrome/FirefoxPrivate mode
3Eyes$4.99/moYesYesYes
Apple Screen TimeFreeYesNoYes
Hosts fileFreeYesYesYes

Block YouTube on Mac the easy way

3Eyes installs in 2 minutes and covers Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and private mode.

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FAQ

Does Apple Screen Time block YouTube in Chrome on Mac?

No — Screen Time's website restrictions only apply to Safari. To block YouTube in Chrome, Firefox, or Brave, use the hosts file method or 3Eyes.

Can a child get around the hosts file on Mac?

Only if they have admin rights. Make sure the child's macOS account is Standard, not Administrator.

More: Block YouTube on Windows · Block YouTube on Chromebook · All platforms overview

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